1. Victorious Faith August 17

2. Admit it, now … When was the last time you had to “just grin and bear it”? These situations make us feel awkward … but we all face more difficult issues in life. – Today we look at how God can strengthen and restore us – We study victorious faith

3. Listen for Peter’s instruction. 1 Peter 5:5b -7 (NIV) 5b All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

4. Humble Yourself What imperatives did Peter issued in these verses? What do you think it means to “clothe yourselves with humility”? So what reasons are given for living humbly? What does it mean (and not mean) to “humble yourself”? Humbling YourselfNot Humbling Yourself

5. Humble Yourself What kinds of cares and anxieties do we have that we try to handle in our own pride? Why can we trust God with those things that made us anxious? What is the danger of trying to handle things on your own?

6. Humble Yourself Why is being humble so difficult? How can believers demonstrate humility before God?

7. Listen for a warning. 1 Peter 5:8-9 (NIV) 8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

8. Resist and Stand Firm What did Peter say the devil was doing? What means does the devil use to "devour" people in our society? How were these believers instructed to respond to the devil?

9. Resist and Stand Firm The Devil is your adversary. How can this knowledge affect the way you live? By what means can believers “resist” the Devil? What benefit comes from knowing other believers also suffer for Christ?

10. Listen for a promise. 1 Peter 5:10-11 (NIV) 10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

11. Claim Victory, Praise God To what did Peter say these believers had been called? What did Peter assure his readers God would do after they had suffered a little while? From what perspective can it be said that suffering is only for “a while”?

12. Claim Victory, Praise God What words describe how God would help His people during a season of affliction? How do we manage the tension of longing for restoration while we suffer in the present? In addition to being a doxology, what declaration in verse 11 teaches us believers to have nothing to fear?

13. Application Receive Christ – To receive God’s full work of restoration, you must accept His salvation by faith – If you have never trusted in Christ as Savior and Lord, do so today – Read the inside cover of your Student Guide for help as you reach out to Jesus

14. Application Be prepared for attack – Decide today to stand against Satan’s attacks, especially if you are in the midst of a difficult decision – Memorize 1 John 4:4 (KJV) … greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. – Also James 4:7 (KJV) Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

15. Application Be a channel of God’s strength – Ask God to place on your heart the name of one person who is suffering through a trial you have experienced yourself. – Contact that person this week to establish opportunities to visit, listen, pray with, and support

16. Victorious Faith August 17